Objective
Increased aggression when temperatures rise has been observed since antiquity and is strongly supported by
meta-analyses of murders, wars and suicides. Given the toll of violence on society and a warming climate,
understanding the underlying processes is urgent, but extensive work has not produced a theory with consistent
support.
We propose a way out of this impasse through a paradigm shift towards neuroscience and ecology. Since
neural circuits of aggression and temperature regulation are known and highly preserved in evolution, and
increased aggression during heat is found in multiple species, not just humans, we hypothesise the existence
of homologous neurobiological mechanisms linking heat to aggression. We will identify these in humans
(WP1) and a rodent model (WP2). Neural circuit information will be linked to behavior with a detailed real
world assessment of a large epidemiological cohort in relation to social and environmental context and
temperature, using ecological momentary assessment and remote sensing (WP3). From these deeply
phenotyped datasets we will identify subtypes of the heat-behavior link and their underlying neural basis using
artificial intelligence (AI) (WP4). We will provide causal evidence for their relevance by targeting subtypes
with real-world interventions in micro-randomized controlled trials and by prediction in newly recruited
subjects (WP5). Based on this work, we will co-design globally applicable digital phenotyping tools linked to
open source urban resource planning platforms for improving heat resilience (WP6).
A range of cutting-edge approaches such as ultra-high field neuroimaging, real-world digital phenotyping,
scientific machine learning and ecological momentary interventions make these innovations achievable. The
project draws on extensive expertise, creates unique cohorts and datasets, and has a strong commitment to
open science and coproduction to provide validated tools to mitigate heat effects on aggression.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- humanities history and archaeology history ancient history
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- engineering and technology environmental engineering remote sensing
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
68159 Mannheim
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.